LNP to create level playing field for taxi industry

An LNP Government will appoint an independent Personalised Transport Commissioner to ensure the taxi and rideshare industry is safe and fair

The LNP has worked closely with Taxi Council Queensland to ensure there is a level playing field for passengers, drivers and owners

Labor has hurt the taxi and limousine industry causing uncertainty, angst and an uneven playing field

The Liberal National Party will restore confidence to the personalised transport industry and ensure a level playing field for taxi and ridesharing operators.

Local Members Trevor Watts and David Janetzki said Annastacia Palaszczuk had botched the introduction of ridesharing services, leaving thousands of taxi owners and operators angry, frustrated and out of pocket.

Mr Watts said the LNP, if successful at the next election, would appoint an independent Personalised Transport Commissioner to ensure Queensland had a safe and fair taxi and rideshare industry.

“Labor has hurt the taxi and limousine industry causing uncertainty, angst and an uneven playing field,” Mr Watts said.

“The LNP will treat drivers, owners and operators with respect as we try to repair the damage caused by this Labor Government.

“We have to ensure safe transport for passengers and drivers while also sensibly removing red tape to benefit passengers by easing the pressure on fares.

“The independent commissioner will be an industry voice in government and will restore certainty and stability to an industry that has been kicked about by Annastaica Palaszczuk.

“The commissioner will act as an ombudsman for the industry and a source of independent advice for the minister and will be responsible for recommending safety requirements including CTP insurance, safety cameras, vehicle identification, licensing and registration.”

Mr Jatetzki said the LNP promised the industry at the Cairns Community Forum last month that it would act swiftly, give passengers, drivers and owners a voice and fix up Labor’s mess.

“A disappointing hallmark of Labor’s changes has been the uncertainty and unfair treatment of licence owners and operators,” Mr Janetzki said.

“We experienced that anger first-hand at the Cairns Community Forum last month and we gave those who attended a commitment that we would act.

“To ensure industry voices are always heard by the government, the LNP will also establish a Personalised Transport Ministerial Council, consisting of the minister, commissioner and industry.

“This will give industry a real opportunity to raise issues with the minister and contribute to the future direction of policy.”

Mr Janetzki said the LNP had listened and worked closely with Taxi Council Queensland to ensure there was a level playing field for drivers and owners.